The EUROGUARD project, funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), has officially kicked off in Estonia. 

With an investment of almost EUR 100 million, the project involves a collaboration between 23 enterprises and the cooperation of 10 EU Member States. The consortium is under the leadership of the Estonian shipbuilding company Baltic Workboats. 

The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a modular and semi-autonomous surface vessel platform equipped with a remote control system, aiming to strengthen sea defence capabilities across Europe. The kick-off involved workshops in Tallinn and a shipyard visit to Nasva, Saaremaa. 

Baltic Workboats is leading the consortium of 23 companies and research institutions from European nations such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, and Estonia. The project total budget amounts to EUR 95 million, with EUR 65 million from the European Defence Fund and EUR 30 million from participating countries and companies themselves.

The specific capabilities of the prototype will be determined through multi-year research and development activities, but in general, the vessel should be capable of autonomous navigation, obstacle and threat detection, collision avoidance, and other mission-specific tasks.

The prototype must comply with the principle of modularity, allowing it to be assembled according to specific needs or tasks. Innovation is also expected in the propulsion system, with environmental sustainability being an important keyword.

Baltic Workboats is responsible for constructing the test vessel, while the prototype’s sea trials will also be conducted in Estonian waters in collaboration with the Estonian Navy. The prototype will have been completed and tested by the end of 2027.

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